Sample container with integrated test strip

Abstract

A test device for detection and visual identification of a specific analyte in a liquid sample such as a bodily fluid is disclosed. The device includes a collection container, a test strip affixed to an interior surface of the collection container, and a removable protective strip adhered over the test strip. The protective strip is configured to be removed from contact with the test strip after the liquid sample has been collected in order to prevent unnecessary exposure and/or contamination of the test strip. In certain embodiments, the protective strip may be removed from the contact with the test strip when the collection container is in a sealed configuration. In other embodiments, the protective strip may be dissolvable when placed in contact with the desired liquid sample. An assay specific to the anticipated analyte may be provided on the test strip.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A test device comprising:
 a container for a test liquid; 
 a test strip affixed to the interior surface of the container, the test strip comprising a reagent for reacting to a preselected analyte; 
 a removable protective strip, wherein the protective strip covers a reactive surface of the test strip, wherein a free end of the removable strip extends beyond an opening to the outside of the container, and wherein the opening is a leak-proof seal. 
 
     
     
       2. The test device of  claim 1 , wherein the test device is a pregnancy test device. 
     
     
       3. The test device of  claim 2 , wherein the reagent comprises an antibody reactive to Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). 
     
     
       4. The test device of  claim 3 , wherein the antibody is tagged with an indicator for indicating the presence of hCG. 
     
     
       5. The test device of  claim 1 , wherein the test strip-facing side of the removable protective strip is coated in an adhesive. 
     
     
       6. The test device of  claim 1 , further comprising a lid configured to seal the container, wherein the test strip is visible from outside the sealed container. 
     
     
       7. The test device of  claim 6 , wherein the removable strip is removable when the container is sealed by the lid. 
     
     
       8. A method for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample test liquid, comprising:
 collecting the test liquid in the of  claim 1 , wherein the test strip is protected from exposure to the test liquid and the atmosphere by the removable protective strip; 
 removing the removable protective strip through the leak-poof seal by pulling the free end after the test liquid has been collected, thereby allowing a reaction between the reagent and the analyte if present in the test liquid; 
 examining the reaction to establish the presence of the analyte. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 8 , further comprising sealing the container after collecting the sample and prior to removing the removable strip in order to prevent sample contamination.